An Arctic Adventure in West Greenland

Land in Qeqertarsuaq, a small community on the southern tip of Disko Island, this part of Greenland is fringed by black-sand beaches and backed by immense dark mountains. Today is all about the wonders of nature; the distinct geology is fascinating and best discovered on a guided hike with naturalist experts. A Zodiac trip will get you closer to the icebergs that float through the seas here, while also exploring the waterfalls and caves of Kuannit.

The heart-shaped peaks of Uummannaq mountain make an arresting sight as you arrive in the eponymous town that sits at its base. At 1,175 metres high, it presides over a community of around 1,500 people. Visit the local market, where artisans sell handicrafts and delicacies, delve into the town’s history in the museum or hike to ‘Santa’s house’, a popular local landmark where Danish children are told Santa Claus resides. As you sail away through Uummannaq Fjord, gaze back at the jagged peaks glowing under the midnight sun.

There is nothing quite like kayaking among the iridescent blue icebergs of west Greenland and your adventure guides will ensure you have the opportunity to enjoy this experience in the best conditions.

The town of Ilulissat has many draws: it was the birthplace of 19th-century Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, there’s fresh seafood to try in its local restaurants and it’s home to exciting markets and galleries with local art and crafts. But most thrilling is the parade of icebergs that glide through the fjord from Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier in the Arctic. An astonishing 10% of the Northern Hemisphere’s icebergs come from this single glacier, and you’ll witness their journey through the fjord from the hiking trails of the Icefjord.

This small community just north of the Arctic Circle has its roots in Inuit culture dating back millennia. Set beside the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, where remains of ancient Inuit settlements have been discovered alongside evidence of hunting as far back as 4,200 years ago, today it is a cluster of colourful homes where locals still rely on the flora and fauna of the region to survive. Embrace their culinary traditions with dishes including Arctic char, reindeer and muskoxen.

It’s hard to appreciate the sheer scale and quantity of the icebergs that float down the Icejord until you take to the skies. Our expert local pilots will fly you high above the fjord in a small wing-mounted aircraft for the best views as you soar out towards Disko Bay. Look out for whales breaching the surface between the icy giants.